Brazing developments of SiC-based E-ATF fuel rods for LWR
Résumé
This paper presents recent achievements in joining methods developed for the closure
of tubular CVI-SiCf/SiC composites considered as cladding solution for Light Water
Reactor (LWR) fuel rods. This study was conducted as part of a collaboration between
Framatome and CEA (Commissariat à l’Energie Atomique et aux Energies Alternatives).
Based on CEA non-reactive BraSiC$^R$ process, various brazing systems were
investigated. X-ray tomography of the BraSiC$^R$ joints showed satisfactory filling by the
braze. Mechanical “push out” tests and destructive characterizations (cross sections for
optical and SEM observations) were conducted before and after hydrothermal corrosion
testing in an autoclave at 360°C and 187 bars in LWR water conditions. The results
depend on the composition of the BraSiC brazes and demonstrate the relevance of
BraSiC process for SiC-based E-ATF fuel rods for LWR.
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